Back pain and mental health

Psychotherapist Delphine Debronde suggests that back pain may not only have physical causes but could also reflect mental and emotional states. She explains that while stress or anxiety are often linked to back pain, there is no direct physical connection between the head and the back that allows for clear interpretation of the pain’s origin.

Back pain as a warning signal

Debronde notes that back pain can appear during significant life transitions such as the birth of a child, moving, loss of a loved one, or a professional promotion. However, the pain often develops after a prolonged period of minor symptoms, and the specific event may only later be seen as the cause.

Back pain as a form of expression

According to Debronde, back pain can be a way for the body to express unspoken suffering or difficulties in life. Individuals can reflect on their emotions, tensions, and recent experiences to understand the pain better. A therapist can assist in exploring what the pain reveals about the person.

Emotional and relational insights

Debronde emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with oneself and considering relationships when dealing with back pain. The pain may express unspoken feelings, such as "Look how I suffer" or "Look how I suffer with you." This can be helpful in therapy, as back pain can lead to a loss of autonomy and drive.

Scientific support for the link

A recent study from the University of Ohio validated the connection between stress and back pain. The study found that individuals under verbal stress used incorrect muscles when lifting, while those who expressed their stress used the correct muscles.

Managing back pain holistically

When back pain is persistent or long-standing, it can be challenging to escape a sense of helplessness. Debronde recommends consulting both a health professional and a therapist with a psychosomatic approach to address both the physical and emotional aspects of the pain.

Psychosomatic approach to pain

The psychosomatic approach helps individuals explore their pain through bodily sensations, bringing emotions to the surface. This method can help people reconnect their emotions, sensations, and thoughts, leading to a deeper understanding of their lives and themselves.